Did you know that in Venice, in Vivaldi’s time (1678–1741), all-female orchestras and choirs brought life to the city and its churches, defying the Vatican’s ban on women singing the Mass? These remarkable musicians, trained in the great hospitals of the Republic of Venice, left their mark on history through their talent and audacity.

This lecture, presented by Mark Zoccolillo, independent researcher, will explore how these women challenged the conventions of their era and inspired some of the most beautiful works of the Baroque repertoire.

The concert Les muses de Vivaldi will take place at Salle Bourgie on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Purchase tickets for the concert.

Presented as part of the Jean-de-Brébeuf Cultural Foundation lecture series